Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
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Welcome to a culinary journey that combines Mediterranean flavors and grill mastery! In this tantalizing blog post, we’re diving into the world of Cava Grill Chicken Recipe.
As the sun sets, your grill heats up, infusing these marinated delights with a smoky char that complements their rich flavors with Cava Garlic Dressing or Cava Feta Dip.
Join us as we unlock the secrets to creating a dish that graces Cava Grill Chicken Recipe with both elegance and taste, leaving your palate craving more.
Ingredients Required for Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
- ½ cup Labneh or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
You will need the following tools and equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
- Plastic Wrap or Sealable Plastic Bag
- Grill (or Oven as an alternative)
- Tongs
- Basting Brush (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes for mixing marinade and coating chicken, plus overnight
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Resting Time: Allow 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Total Time: 12-24 hours, with 1 hour of active cooking and preparation time.
Let’s Try Copycat Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Labneh or plain Greek yogurt, finely minced fresh garlic, salt, oregano, juice of 1 lemon, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Mix all the ingredients well until they form a smooth marinade.
3. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish for marinating.
4. Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap or seal the plastic bag, making sure the chicken is well-covered. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
5. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
7. Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. You can use tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in oil for this.
8. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. While grilling, you can baste the chicken with any remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
10. Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Note: If you prefer to bake the chicken instead of grilling, you can preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the marinated chicken thighs for about 35 minutes or until fully cooked.
Please watch the provided video for a more comprehensive understanding.
Serving Ideas for Cava Grill Chicken
1. Cava Bowl: As the original recipe suggests, serve the grilled chicken sliced on top of a Cava bowl. Also can be served with Cava Crazy Feta.
2. Mediterranean Wrap: Wrap the grilled chicken in a warm pita or flatbread along with hummus, tzatziki, chopped tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.
3. Chicken Salad: Create a vibrant salad by placing sliced grilled chicken on a bed of mixed Thai Chicken Salad, alongside roasted vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.
4. Grain Bowl: Combine cooked grains like farro, quinoa, or barley with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini or a light citrus dressing.
5. Pasta Dish: Toss grilled chicken with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and a pesto sauce for a quick and satisfying pasta dish.
6. Power Bowl: Build a hearty bowl with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, roasted sweet potatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
7. Mint Lime: Enjoy alongside with Cava Cucumber Mint Lime in small gatherings and family party.
Remember to customize these ideas based on your preferences and dietary needs. The versatile flavors of Cava Grilled Chicken can complement a wide range of ingredients, allowing you to create a variety of tasty and balanced meals.
Some tips for Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
1. Marination: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor and tenderness. This step enhances the taste and ensures that the marinade’s flavors infuse into the meat.
2. Even Coating: Make sure each chicken thigh is evenly coated with the marinade to ensure consistent flavor and cooking.
3. Preheating the Grill: Preheat the grill before placing the chicken on it. A properly heated grill ensures nice grill marks and seals in the juices.
4. Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
Precautions:
1. Grilling Safety: If grilling outdoors, ensure proper safety measures such as keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and maintaining a safe distance from flammable objects.
2. Overcooking: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can result in dry and tough meat. Use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
By following these tips and precautions, you’ll be able to create a delicious and safe Grilled Chicken for everyone to enjoy.
The Cava Grill Chicken recipe offers a delightful journey of flavors that elevate your culinary experience. With a harmonious blend of Labneh, garlic, lemon, and oregano, the marinade transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a succulent masterpiece.
The versatility of grilling or baking empowers your cooking choices, whether sizzling on the grill for those enticing char marks or baking for a tender, oven-baked result. Patience pays off with an overnight marinade, infusing the chicken with depth and richness.
As you slice into the grilled perfection, the reward is evident – juicy, well-seasoned chicken that crowns your Cava bowls with pride. This recipe beckons both novice and seasoned cooks to embrace the joy of crafting an unforgettable dish, sure to become a cherished favorite.
FAQs on Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and and their short answers on Cava Grill Chicken recipe
1. How to grill chicken for beginners?
Season chicken with desired flavors, preheat grill to medium-high, oil grates, cook chicken 6-7 mins per side until 165°F (74°C) internal temp.
2. How to grill chicken without boiling?
Marinating and proper grilling technique can keep chicken moist and flavorful without boiling.
3. Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken spicy?
Yes, the harissa honey marinade adds a mild to moderate spiciness to the chicken.
4. How to grill chicken breast without overcooking?
Pound chicken breast to uniform thickness, cook 4-5 mins per side until 165°F (74°C), use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.
5. Can I use plain yogurt instead of Labneh?
Yes, plain yogurt is a suitable alternative for the marinade.
6. What can I serve with Cava Grill Chicken?
You can serve it with Cava bowls, salads, pita bread, rice, or your favorite sides.
7. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 mins.
8. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
9. Do I need to baste the chicken while grilling?
Basting is optional but adds extra flavor and moisture to the chicken.
10. Can I adjust the spiciness of the marinade?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of harissa to control the spiciness level to your preference.
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